The Yamuna river has swollen up and has crossed the danger levels in Delhi on Thursday, inundating several low-lying areas, affecting daily life, and resulting in massive traffic jams all over the national capital. At the Old Railway Bridge, which is considered a major monitoring point, the water level was recorded at 207.47 metres around 9 am, as per the official data. It has stayed steady through the early morning hours, varying from 207.47 and 207.48 metres. Authorities stated that the level was expected to decrease later in the day, but the damage had already spread across the city.
As per the latest reports, floodwater has entered near the Delhi Secretariat and Vasudev Ghat, whereas relief camps are set up in Mayur Vihar Phase I also faced flooding. Monastery market, Shri Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba Mandir near Kashmere Gate, and Yamuna Bazar were among the areas that were engulfed. At Nigambodh Ghat and Geeta Colony crematorium, operations were severely impacted. Sanjay Sharma, head of the crematorium, stated to PTI, ‘’In 2023, water entered the cremation ground, and today again it is filled with water, around 10 feet deep. The damage is immense.’’ He also added that wood supplies have been damaged, and last rites are being done on internal roads.
Floodwater reaches landmark areas
The flood has increased the challenges of Delhi’s residents, who were already struggling with waterlogging from heavy rainfall. Civil Lines, Chandgi Ram Akhara, and other low-lying areas recorded intense water accumulation. Several complaints related to the poor drainage and inaction by civic authorities have been made.
Traffic snarls across Delhi
The flooding has brought traffic in multiple parts of the capital to a standstill. Key routes like Outer Ring Road, Kalindi Kunj, Kashmere Gate, and lanes heading to Ashram, ISBT, and Sarai Kale Khan experienced heavy traffic during the peak hour.
Delhi Traffic issues advisories
The Delhi Traffic Police on Thursday has issued an advisory on its official page on X (formerly Twitter), warning commuters about heavy traffic and diversions because of the rising Yamuna waters and continuous rainfall. It also mentioned that waterlogging has immensely affected Outer Ring Road (Majnu Ka Tila-Ring Road By-Pass) and nearby areas. A pothole on NH-44 Singhola Flyover (Mukarba Chowk-Singhu Border) has pushed the closure of both carriageways for safety. Traffic is diverted through Mubraka Chowk-NH-44 and Bakoli Village-UER-II, with officials asking the commuters to avoid the route.